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NO MATTER WHAT you think about its more recent direction, there’s no denying that The Simpsons is one of the best TV programmes of all time.
Of course, the Simpson family themselves make it great, but they just couldn’t do it without the minor characters – the little people of Springfield. We don’t see these characters as much as the family, their neighbours or their friends, but whenever we do it makes our day.
(There is no set specific criteria that qualifies someone from the “main” cast – we just chose the characters that you don’t see as often. Feel free to duke out a definition in the comments.)
15. Artie Ziff
Fun fact: When Homer and Artie were in Debate Team together, Homer mooned Artie as rebuttal.
In his own words: “Marge! I think about a lot more than just moi!”
Fun fact: The character of Troy McClure was retired in 1998 after the actor that voiced him, Phil Hartman, died. Lionel Hutz, also voiced by Hartman, left at the same time.
In his own words: “Don’t kid yourself, Jimmy. If a cow ever got the chance, he’d eat you and everyone you care about.”
Monday 23 December, 2024
Monday 23 December, 2024
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A Definitive Ranking of the Best Minor Characters from The Simpsons
NO MATTER WHAT you think about its more recent direction, there’s no denying that The Simpsons is one of the best TV programmes of all time.
Of course, the Simpson family themselves make it great, but they just couldn’t do it without the minor characters – the little people of Springfield. We don’t see these characters as much as the family, their neighbours or their friends, but whenever we do it makes our day.
(There is no set specific criteria that qualifies someone from the “main” cast – we just chose the characters that you don’t see as often. Feel free to duke out a definition in the comments.)
15. Artie Ziff
Fun fact: When Homer and Artie were in Debate Team together, Homer mooned Artie as rebuttal.
In his own words: “Marge! I think about a lot more than just moi!”
14. Kang & Kodos
Fun fact: From the planet Rigel VII. They speak Rigellian, which sounds exactly like English.
In their own words: ”This is my sister Kodos.”
13. Professor Frink
Fun fact: His full title is “Jonathan “John” I.Q. Neidelbaum Frink, Jr., B.Sc., Ph.D. M.R.S.C., C.Chem”.
In his own words: “Oops, I forgot to carry the one.”
12. Otto
Fun fact: His surname is “Mann”.
In his own words: “Wow. I’ve never been referred to as an adult before. I’ve been tried as one.”
11. Cletus
Fun fact: His surname is “Spuckler”. His favourite food is fresh raccoon and skunk.
In his own words: “Hey, Brandine! I think I done busted my stinkbone.”
10. Fat Tony
Fun fact: He is a widower. In reference to his wife’s death, he said: “She was whacked, by natural causes.”
In his own words: “I am not so much disappointed as I am blinded with rage.”
9. Disco Stu
Fun fact: Before becoming a fan of disco, Stu was known as “Natutical Stu” due to his profession as a sea captain.
In his own words: “Back away, not today, disco lady.”
8. Comic Book Guy
Fun fact: Also known as Jeffrey Albertson, he translated the Lord of the Rings into Klingon as part of his MA thesis in folklore and mythology.
In his own words: “Oh, loneliness and cheeseburgers are a dangerous mix!”
7. Dr Nick Riviera
Fun fact: Some of his exclamations hint that he may be Argentinian, though there is no hard evidence for this.
In his own words: ”Well if it isn’t my old friend Mr. McGregg — with a leg for an arm and an arm for a leg.”
6. Jasper Beardley
Fun fact: Jasper’s father was an illegal immigrant from Ireland.
In his own words: “That’s a paddlin’.”
5. The Rich Texan
Fun fact: He’s actually from Connecticut.
In his own words: “Goldarn it! I worked hard to ill-get those gains!”
4. Troy McClure
Fun fact: The character of Troy McClure was retired in 1998 after the actor that voiced him, Phil Hartman, died. Lionel Hutz, also voiced by Hartman, left at the same time.
In his own words: “Don’t kid yourself, Jimmy. If a cow ever got the chance, he’d eat you and everyone you care about.”
3. Rainier Wolfcastle
Fun fact: Funny Or Die have put together all the clips from McBain throughout the years to make a comprehensible movie. You can watch it here.
In his own words: “My eyes! The goggles, they do nothing!”
2. Moleman
Fun fact: Kissing his head is like kissing a peanut.
In his own words: “Drinking has ruined my life. I’m 31 years old!”
1. Gil Gunderson
Fun fact: Gil was based on Jack Lemmon’s portrayal of Shelley Levene in the film version of Glengarry Glen Ross.
In his own words: “Doesn’t Gil get a lick?”
Who is your favourite lesser-known Simpsons character? Let us know in the comments. We couldn’t pick them all!
Read: 14 moments that make The Simpsons the greatest show ever>
Read: The Simpsons’ moving blackboard tribute to actor Marcia Wallace>
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